Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Shravan (July-August) according to Hindu calendar. It is among the most popular and ancient festivals in India. The festival provides an opportunity to rejoice in the warmth of the affectionate relationship shared between brothers and sisters. In Sanskrit, the term Raksha Bandhan means ‘the knot of protection’. The sister ties the knot of love and wishes for the well-being of her brother whereas the brother vouches to protect his sister in all conditions.

The most cherished brother-sister love is shared between Yama and Yamuna. For twelve long years, Yama didn’t visit his sister because of which she was very upset. But finally when she met Yama, she was filled with happiness and sheer love. She prepared a bounty of food for him, and when Yama asked her what she wanted as a gift, she asked for his lifelong love. Yama granted her wish and also made her immortal as a river.

A sacred bond also developed between Krishna and Draupadi. Once Krishna cut his finger and was hurting. Looking at him bleed, Draupadi, tore a piece of his saree and wrapped his finger. Krishna was moved by her gesture and promised her to repay her debt of love when the right time arrives. He repaid the debt by protecting her from a disrobing by providing her with an unlimited cloth.

In earlier times, this ceremony was not only celebrated between brothers and sisters, but also by women who wanted the welfare of the men in their lives. They tied a sacred thread on their wrists. There was a war between the Gods and demons, and Indra was the leader of the army of Gods. His wife, Sachi, was very scared and thus consulted Vishnu to provide her with an item that could protect her husband from all the troubles. Vishnu handed over a cotton thread bracelet to her, which she tied on Indra’s wrist because of which he successfully emerged from the war and brought evil to an end.

Popular Historical reference behind Raksha Bandhan:-

According to historians, around mid-seventeenth century the situation of Chittaurgarh in Rajasthan state of western India. The situation got worsened when King of Chittor, Rana Sanga died. Mughal Emperor Babur, invaded the kingdom of Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh’s queen Karnavati felt that she would not able to defend her Kingdom and sent Rakhi and letter for the help to Mughal Emperor Humayun. As soon as Humayun received rakhi and letter, he was greatly touched and immediately set off with his troops to help Queen and defend her kingdom.

Unfortunately, Humayun arrived late, and till that time Bahadur Shah managed to sack the Queen's Fortress. Queen along with 13,000 other women in the fort Of Chittorgarh, killed themselves to avoid dishonor while the men open and rode out on a suicidal charge against Bahadur Shah's troops. When Humayun reached Chittor, he evicted Bahadur Shah from the fort and restored the kingdom to Karnavati's son, Vikramjit Singh.

From That Day, It Is expected that the Way Emperor Humayun helped Queen Kamravati, similarly, every brother promises their sister for love and protection from their side.

The tradition of applying red pigment powder with rice grains by sisters on the foreheads of the brothers stands for devotion and submission to God. This mark between the eyebrows is believed to protect the spiritual potential of man. It works as a shield for the ‘spiritual third eye’.

Tilak, applied with the thumb and the ring finger in one upward stroke, is considered very auspicious. The sun, representing peace, brilliance, honor, respect and faith, is believed to rest at the base of the ring finger. Venus is supposedly placed at the base of the thumb and ensures health, gentility and politeness. The upward stroke denotes that the brother will never fail and will ‘vijayee bhava’ (win) in every sphere of life.

Tilak consist of Roli mixed with unbroken grains of rice as these stand for firmness and steadfastness of the mind. It is meant to increase one’s potential and bring success.

Diya – It is a small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay often referred as an earthen lamp. It is lighted up for the goodness and the removal of evil, darkness and ignorance to promote righteousness and happiness. It is considered to be the light of God and leads you on the path of enlightenment. Light is also a source of positive energy that is said to impart knowledge.

The upward movement of the flame encourages forward movement in all situations, favorable or unfavorable. It represents virtuosity, harmony, and truth.

Saree- It is a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk that has to be draped around the body.

Puja Thali- A palette of brass, silver, or steel decorated with various items and used on auspicious occasions.